Montana Legend (Harlequin Historical, No. 624) Read Online Free PDF Page B

him. “At least you got the garden turned while I was gone.”
    Remember to be grateful. Remember how no other relatives had offered to take you in. “I have lunch ready to set on the table. All you have to do is sit and rest.”
    â€œWe ate in town.” Without an apology, Pearl headed back outside to shout at the children to come in and get started on their chores.
    Sarah adjusted Baby Davie on her hip and patted his back, trying to comfort him.
    With any luck, Pearl had brought the newspaper back from town and it was full of job advertisements.
    Sarah might be down on her luck, but that only meant there was no place to go but up.
    Good luck had to be around the corner. Right?
    Â 
    Gage climbed the Buffalo Inn’s carpeted staircase to the third floor where he knew his daughter would be waiting. Gentle spring sunshine streamed through windows and cast a golden glow onto the bed where his little girl sat, her nose in a book.
    â€œPa!” Lucy leaped off the mattress, her book tumbling to the quilt. “Did you buy this one? Do we got a new home?”
    He laughed as she wrapped her arms around hiswaist. “Hold on now, that’s no way for a little lady to behave.”
    â€œI ain’t no lady, Pa. Did you buy it?” Her eyes searched his and she clapped her hands together. “You did! I know you did.”
    â€œYep. We got ourselves a home. Now don’t go getting your hopes up too high. The place needs a lot of work. Did you behave for Mrs. McCullough?”
    â€œSorta.” The seven-year-old shrugged her narrow shoulders. “I tried. Honest.”
    â€œShe didn’t try hard enough,” Mrs. McCullough reported from the chair in the corner, where she gathered her embroidery things. “I must say I’m disappointed in you, Mr. Gatlin. You charmed me into agreeing to watch this child and I have come to regret it.”
    What did Lucy do now? he wondered, but did his best to look apologetic. He might need Mrs. McCullough’s help again. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I’ll pay you extra for your trouble.”
    â€œIndeed.” Mrs. McCullough’s gaze narrowed as he placed dollar bills on her outstretched palm. A small pile accumulated, and she nodded. “I suppose it’s not her fault, the poor motherless thing. You find a mother for that girl. Just my piece of advice.”
    â€œYes, ma’am.” He didn’t think much of her advice, but he held his tongue and closed the door behind her.
    â€œPa, I’m dyin’!” In agony, Lucy hopped up and down, her twin braids bouncing. “Tell me. I gotta know.”
    She had a knack for changing the subject but luckily he wasn’t easily distracted from the problem. “I expect you to do better next time I leave you with Mrs. McCullough.”
    â€œI’ll do my best, Pa, you know that. But sometimes it’s just hard.” Lucy sighed, full of burdens. “I’m only a little girl.”
    â€œYou aren’t foolin’ me one bit, darlin’.” He tugged on one end of her twin braids. “Find your hat and I’ll take you out to our new place. It’s tumbling down, but I can fix that.”
    â€œI know, ’cuz you can fix anything.” She dashed to the bureau. “I got my sunbonnet, but I can’t do the ribbons.”
    â€œThen it’s a darn good thing you have me around.” He caught the blue straps of her sunbonnet and made a bow beneath her chin. “You’re the prettiest girl this side of the Rockies. I’m proud to be seen with you.”
    â€œYou have to say that. You’re my pa.” Lucy beamed at him anyway and slipped her small hand in his.
    In the livery, he saddled Lucy’s little mare while she pulled sugar cubes from her pocket for the horse. When he had the cinch nice and tight, he gave her a hand up.
    â€œDo you know what, Pa? I’m sure glad I got this new saddle.” Lucy